NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore will finally return to Earth on March 18. They have spent an extended nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially, their mission was only for a week. However, technical issues with their spacecraft forced an unexpected long stay in orbit.
Early Return Due to Favorable Weather
NASA and SpaceX officials assessed weather conditions on March 16. They found that March 18 would offer the safest landing conditions. The original return date was March 19, but NASA decided to bring the astronauts back a day earlier. The splashdown is scheduled for 5:57 PM ET (9:57 PM GMT, 3:27 AM IST) off Florida’s coast.
Mission Details and Challenges
Williams and Wilmore reached the ISS in June 2024 using Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The mission was meant to last only seven days. However, the Starliner experienced propulsion failures and helium leaks. NASA sent the spacecraft back to Earth without crew members in September. As a result, Williams and Wilmore had to stay on the ISS for much longer than expected.
NASA and SpaceX Ready for Second Launch Try to Swap Astronauts
SpaceX and NASA are poised for a second launch of a new crew to the International Space Station (ISS) after an earlier delay.
Crew Returning via SpaceX Crew Dragon
Since Starliner could not bring them back, NASA arranged their return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. They will not be traveling alone. NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov will also be onboard.
Extended Stay and Survival in Space
Typically, astronauts spend six months on the ISS before rotating out. However, Williams and Wilmore remained for nine months. NASA ensured they had enough supplies, sending extra clothing, food, and personal items.
Live Coverage of the Return
NASA will broadcast the return journey live. Coverage begins on Monday evening with hatch closure preparations. Viewers can watch the astronauts leave the ISS and splash down in the ocean. The event marks a safe conclusion to their unexpectedly long mission. For ongoing coverage of economic trends, remain updated with News Trendzs for in-depth analysis and breaking news in World News.
